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Space Marine Battles #6
Battle of the Fang
It is M32, a thousand years after the Horus Heresy. The Scouring is over and the Imperium at the height of its post-Crusade power. When Magnus the Red is tracked down to Gangava Prime, the Space Wolves hasten to engage the daemon primarch. Even as Great Wolf Harek Ironhelm closes on his ancient enemy, the Fang on the Space Wolves home world is besieged by a massive force of Thousand Sons. A desperate battle ensues as the skeleton forces of Wolf Lord Asvald Greylock attempt to hold back the attacking hosts before the last of his meagre defences gives in. Though a single Scout ship survives to summon Great Wolf Harek Ironhelm back to Fenris, none of the defenders truly realise the full scale the horror that awaits them, nor what the Battle for the Fang will cost them all.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
About the author
Chris Wraight
199 books264 followersChris Wraight is a British author of fantasy and science fiction.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 63 reviews
December 26, 2015
I read the Horus Heresy books as they come out and I can honestly say there isn't one that I haven't enjoyed. When the Space Wolf Chapter landed on Prospero, home of the Thousand Sons Chapter, any reader knew the ending of this tail. Primarch versus Primarch, and one falls. But Magnus the Red fell and yet didn't die, but became something else, that exists in the warp and in reality. This book is the revenge of the Thousand Sons, as they stage an assault when the Space Wolves are drawn away, leaving only an ancillary group, 10% of the Chapter to guard the Fang. The Thousand Sons arrive in force and the battle begins.
This book was a ride from the first page turn. It is thick with bloodshed, loss and triumph. It kept me flipping pages long after I should have gone to sleep. It's that good, folks! Read this one, but know that you won't know the whole story of why this happens unless you have read the Horus Heresy novel, Prospero Burns.
Danny
This book was a ride from the first page turn. It is thick with bloodshed, loss and triumph. It kept me flipping pages long after I should have gone to sleep. It's that good, folks! Read this one, but know that you won't know the whole story of why this happens unless you have read the Horus Heresy novel, Prospero Burns.
Danny
January 2, 2023
The continuum of Space Wolves portrayals runs from Space Vikings to Space Furries, with Battle of the Fang unfortunately tending towards the latter:
Then the amber-eyed wolf within him howled, not with battle-lust or glory, but with the horror of grief.
It's also not a great 'Battle' book in terms of being that interesting a fight. It's a siege, and a boring one at that.
But... ...it is still good.
Evil Reigns
The bad guys have a plan, execute that plan... ...and win. We can quibble over the Space Wolves continuing to exist literally 10,000 years after the events of the book, but Battle of the Fang kicks to the curb plans of Successor chapters encircling the Eye of Terror.
But most importantly, what a force Magnus is. What a creature of evil he is (faint of heart avoid the below):
His idea, his execution, his win. He hurts the protagonists with the wretched Wolf Brothers, is irredeemably selfish, and is brutal on the battlefield. Battle of the Fang is about what a Primarch can do to their lessers. They are the superheroes thundering around, their oversized feelings given life via their oversized abilities.
Does Chaos having glistening teeth of evil risk a sort of Manichaeism in the story universe? Maybe, but the Space Wolves are hardly portrayed as saintly. The dualism I find interesting is the father/daughter combo of Morek and Freija - one doomed by curiosity, one finding safety in ignorance.
You said you would strive to improve yourself, he replied. Start now. Cease your questions. That knowledge is not for you.
Freija broke into another weary smile. ‘You are right,’ she said. ‘I have offended you again. I will leave.’
Multiplicity
The multiple POVs drift in and out of the plot, more serving them than being in-depth character... ...but the pastiches are pretty memorable. "Blackwing" is interesting as different from the conventional Space Wolf and makes mistakes, but is clever in how he achieves his goal. The aforementioned yin and yang of Morek and Freija. And, of course, Bjorn The Fell-Handed.
You know nothing of anger, Traitor, boomed Bjorn, lumbering from the wreckage of the hangar wall and punching another flurry of plasma bolts from his arm-cannon. This is anger. This is hate.
As for The Thousand Sons, well, they exist. There are some musings about their decline, and I do think it is an interesting concept that neither side are truly the Legions of the Horus Heresy. There's a couple of misses though: who really cares about "The Change" in Aphael, as he just ends up as a vessel for Magnus irregardless. Temekh is there for exposition in the form of whinging.
He’d wept over the destruction of Tizca, but that did nothing to fuel his sense of revenge. By contrast, Aphael’s eagerness felt vulgar and empty. We have lost our taste.
Battle of the Fang is a wobbly, ricketedly book, with elements that elevate it rather than its whole.
Then the amber-eyed wolf within him howled, not with battle-lust or glory, but with the horror of grief.
It's also not a great 'Battle' book in terms of being that interesting a fight. It's a siege, and a boring one at that.
But... ...it is still good.
Evil Reigns
The bad guys have a plan, execute that plan... ...and win. We can quibble over the Space Wolves continuing to exist literally 10,000 years after the events of the book, but Battle of the Fang kicks to the curb plans of Successor chapters encircling the Eye of Terror.
But most importantly, what a force Magnus is. What a creature of evil he is (faint of heart avoid the below):
His idea, his execution, his win. He hurts the protagonists with the wretched Wolf Brothers, is irredeemably selfish, and is brutal on the battlefield. Battle of the Fang is about what a Primarch can do to their lessers. They are the superheroes thundering around, their oversized feelings given life via their oversized abilities.
Does Chaos having glistening teeth of evil risk a sort of Manichaeism in the story universe? Maybe, but the Space Wolves are hardly portrayed as saintly. The dualism I find interesting is the father/daughter combo of Morek and Freija - one doomed by curiosity, one finding safety in ignorance.
You said you would strive to improve yourself, he replied. Start now. Cease your questions. That knowledge is not for you.
Freija broke into another weary smile. ‘You are right,’ she said. ‘I have offended you again. I will leave.’
Multiplicity
The multiple POVs drift in and out of the plot, more serving them than being in-depth character... ...but the pastiches are pretty memorable. "Blackwing" is interesting as different from the conventional Space Wolf and makes mistakes, but is clever in how he achieves his goal. The aforementioned yin and yang of Morek and Freija. And, of course, Bjorn The Fell-Handed.
You know nothing of anger, Traitor, boomed Bjorn, lumbering from the wreckage of the hangar wall and punching another flurry of plasma bolts from his arm-cannon. This is anger. This is hate.
As for The Thousand Sons, well, they exist. There are some musings about their decline, and I do think it is an interesting concept that neither side are truly the Legions of the Horus Heresy. There's a couple of misses though: who really cares about "The Change" in Aphael, as he just ends up as a vessel for Magnus irregardless. Temekh is there for exposition in the form of whinging.
He’d wept over the destruction of Tizca, but that did nothing to fuel his sense of revenge. By contrast, Aphael’s eagerness felt vulgar and empty. We have lost our taste.
Battle of the Fang is a wobbly, ricketedly book, with elements that elevate it rather than its whole.
September 9, 2011
This was the first Space Marine Battle book that I've read. I am a huge Thousand Sons fan and I expected a fair bit out of this story. I was happy to see that Wraight tied into a couple things that occured in the H.H. books that center on the original conflict between these two chapters.
There was a proper epic feel to this book, one that I really enjoyed. That being said, three months later I struggle to recall any specific part of the story. Nothing in it stuck in my mind except for a few points in it.
From what I have read from some of the other Space Marine books, the writing is better than a number of other authors. Wraight should be commended on his grasp of large scale combat, something a fair number of 40k authors struggle with.
In the end, a really good read, and I have recommended it to others.
There was a proper epic feel to this book, one that I really enjoyed. That being said, three months later I struggle to recall any specific part of the story. Nothing in it stuck in my mind except for a few points in it.
From what I have read from some of the other Space Marine books, the writing is better than a number of other authors. Wraight should be commended on his grasp of large scale combat, something a fair number of 40k authors struggle with.
In the end, a really good read, and I have recommended it to others.
October 11, 2019
6,75/10
No sé puede negar que es un libro entretenido y que ofrece lo que promete su título, una gran y épica batalla dentro del mundo de WH 40K. La acción, que es mucha, está bien narrada pero al ser esta una saga que narra momentos específicos, se nota y mucho la falta de contexto durante la historia.
Además de lo ya comentado, sigue el estilo narrativo del universo WH40K, es decir, narraciones ágiles en las que priman la sucesión de eventos, en vez de los propios eventos en sí.
Si te gusta este mundillo y la acción, es un libro disfrutable, pero en ningún caso creo que vaya a pasar al top de favoritos de nadie.
No sé puede negar que es un libro entretenido y que ofrece lo que promete su título, una gran y épica batalla dentro del mundo de WH 40K. La acción, que es mucha, está bien narrada pero al ser esta una saga que narra momentos específicos, se nota y mucho la falta de contexto durante la historia.
Además de lo ya comentado, sigue el estilo narrativo del universo WH40K, es decir, narraciones ágiles en las que priman la sucesión de eventos, en vez de los propios eventos en sí.
Si te gusta este mundillo y la acción, es un libro disfrutable, pero en ningún caso creo que vaya a pasar al top de favoritos de nadie.
August 12, 2021
The Thousand Sons take revenge on the Space Wolves in a riveting saga that sees Magnus return. This was enjoyably epic but suffers from a common writerly conceit of jumping POVs quite frequently, which I find drains the tension from the narrative. A few of the characters focused on feel extraneous.
August 7, 2012
Finally...FINALLY...a book that has redeemed the Space Marines Battle series. For six books I have trudged on through these stories...being beholden to them because of their AMAZING cover art for five of them. Now, that is not to say they are bad, they are not. Fall of Damnos was a lot of fun with some awesomely famous characters for fans of the Ultramarines series by McNeill. But man, one after another, they never seemed to be as fulfilling or as excellent as they could be...ESPECIALLY considering the authors.
Battle of the Fang may have been all the more awesome because of its almost direct sequel nature to Thousand Sons and Prospero Burns...It is 1000 years later and the Thousand Sons have rebuilt and returned to return the favor of home world destruction to their brothers..the Wolves.
How can you not love the return of Bjorn?? How can you not love the return of Magnus?? It was all pretty great stuff, and honestly the first in the Battles series that was a story I actually cared about.
I am happy that the SMB series has finally been justified, if not just enough to get me through the next four I have on my shelf at home. Luckily the series is not connected, nor in any order, so if you were going to read any of the Space Marine Battles books...I would highly recommend it is this one. AFTER you read those two Heresy novels that lead up to it.
Battle of the Fang may have been all the more awesome because of its almost direct sequel nature to Thousand Sons and Prospero Burns...It is 1000 years later and the Thousand Sons have rebuilt and returned to return the favor of home world destruction to their brothers..the Wolves.
How can you not love the return of Bjorn?? How can you not love the return of Magnus?? It was all pretty great stuff, and honestly the first in the Battles series that was a story I actually cared about.
I am happy that the SMB series has finally been justified, if not just enough to get me through the next four I have on my shelf at home. Luckily the series is not connected, nor in any order, so if you were going to read any of the Space Marine Battles books...I would highly recommend it is this one. AFTER you read those two Heresy novels that lead up to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2014
"For Russ! thundered Bjorn, the words amplified by his war-vox relays, drowning out all other sounds, rocking the walls of the chamber and cracking the stone under which he trod."
The Vlka Fenryka. The Sons of Russ. Easily my favorite of the loyalists, followed closely by the Dark Angels and Black Templars. With unparalleled ferocity, the Wolves of Fenris wage their wars.
Wraight has created an epic of epics, with every man/woman a hero in his/her own right. It takes some serious skill to write a 400 page novel about a single battle, and he nailed it. As with all of the 40k novels I've read, the ending is simply outstandingly epic.
Now to decide where to head next in the 40k universe...
The Vlka Fenryka. The Sons of Russ. Easily my favorite of the loyalists, followed closely by the Dark Angels and Black Templars. With unparalleled ferocity, the Wolves of Fenris wage their wars.
Wraight has created an epic of epics, with every man/woman a hero in his/her own right. It takes some serious skill to write a 400 page novel about a single battle, and he nailed it. As with all of the 40k novels I've read, the ending is simply outstandingly epic.
Now to decide where to head next in the 40k universe...
July 23, 2016
Entertaining continuation of the ret-conned more serious version of the Space Wolves. It handles one of the iconic moments in their history and is all the better for it.
It is the 32nd Millenium and Magnus the Red is planning revenge for the razing of Prospero during the Horus Heresy. Typically, his plan is quite convoluted and the fighting is brutal and well described. Chris Wraight has established himself as one of the better 40K writers though perhaps not a on a level with Abnett and Dembski- Bowden. He maintains a strong sense of momentum and there are few if any lulls in the action (par for the course in Warhammer 40K novels).
Wraight creates credible characters and handles them well whilst maintaining the tension and writes the fighting well. A worthwhile read for any fan.
It is the 32nd Millenium and Magnus the Red is planning revenge for the razing of Prospero during the Horus Heresy. Typically, his plan is quite convoluted and the fighting is brutal and well described. Chris Wraight has established himself as one of the better 40K writers though perhaps not a on a level with Abnett and Dembski- Bowden. He maintains a strong sense of momentum and there are few if any lulls in the action (par for the course in Warhammer 40K novels).
Wraight creates credible characters and handles them well whilst maintaining the tension and writes the fighting well. A worthwhile read for any fan.
April 6, 2021
За Всеотца! За Русса! За Фенрис!
Hola Amigos!
Скажу сразу, что вторая прочитанная книга из цикла "Space Battles" меня порадовала.
В отличие от Хельсрича (рецензия https://www.livelib.ru/review/1991938...), с которым Битву за Клык нельзя не сравнивать.
В первую очередь нужно знать, что человеку, хотя бы в общих чертах не приобщенному к истории WH40k, чтение данного произведения дастся особенно тяжело. Конечно же для любой книги из сеттинга пригодятся некие общие знания, но в случае с Клыком это особенно важно.
Суть конфликта, приводящего к событиям книги, уходит корнями далеко во времена Ереси Хоруса и если читать оригинал желания нет, то стоит хотя бы кратко узнать об участии Магнуса Красного в событиях Ереси и о "сожжении" планеты Просперо.
Насчет завязки:
32е тысячелетие. Волчий орден ведет безрезультатные поиски Магнуса Красного, убийство которого стало для них главной целью, и наконец-то они приходят к желаемому результату. Волки обнаруживают присутствие примарха предателя, "недобитого" их генетическим отцом, в одной из бесконечного множества звездных систем.
И вот уже флот Фенриса в полной боевой готовности уносит основные силы ордена все дальше от родного мира. Позабыв об осторожности предводитель Волков оставляет планету беззащитной против хитрой ловушки Тысячи Сынов. Войска Магнуса Красного прибыли, дабы свершить свою месть, не только захватив родину волков, но и уничтожив их надежды на будущие.
Впрочем на страже Клыка ещё остались Волки. И пока жив хоть один из них, Фенрис выстоит.
Насчет повествования:
Сама книга является крепким и качественным "боевиком", хоть количество боевых сцен и достаточно скромное.
Ровное и логичное повествование не вызывает претензий, в отличие от спорного Хельсрича с его сомнительной "репортажной" манерой описания событий.
Битва за Клык описывается полноценно, как на глобальном стратегиче��ком уровне, так и на уровне действующих лиц, играющих свои важные и не очень роли в происходящих событиях. Резкие скачки во времени и ненужные фрагменты (да да, это про Хельсрич) отсутствуют.
Сама история умудряется сохранять интригу и временами неплохо держит в напряжении.
Атмосферные описания присутствуют ровно в том количестве и качестве, чтобы сохранять баланс, не вытесняя на задний план происходящие в них события.
Насчет персонажей:
Местные персонажи пусть и не получают полноценного раскрытия, все же хорошо прописаны. Они узнаются, запоминаются (хоть специфичные имена и сбивают с толку), имеют свое место и роль в повествовании. Их истории уместно вписываются в происходящее, создавая и дополняя общую картину.
Никого нельзя назвать лишним (ещё камень в сторону Хельсрича с его бессмысленными историями жреца, штурмовика и докера).
Также повествование не забывает и показывать противоположную сторону конфликта. Тысяча сынов не остаются безликой массой неких захватчиков. Их цели обоснованы, а мотивы понятны.
Итог:
"Битва за Клык" являет собой отличный пример правильного произведения (в своем жанре, разумеется).
Цельная история изображается с разных сторон. Предводители обороны Фенриса, обычные Кровавые Когти, "смертные" бойцы на службе "небесных Воинов" и даже космодесантники предатели из Тысячи Сынов. Их истории уместны, а взгляды понятны. В результате чего, следить за происходящим становится действительно интересно.
Единственный минус книги кроется где-то в её принадлежности к циклу "Space Battles". А это значит, что произведение все-таки представляет собой скорее расширенный рассказ, чем полноценный роман.
Увеличить объем в два раза, хоть немного лучше раскрыть персонажей и добавить захватывающих эпизодов.
Вот рецепт, что мог бы сделать Битву за Клык не просто хорошим, а отличным произведением. Которое, впрочем, не вписалось бы в рамки данного цикла.
В любом случае могу посоветовать книгу к прочтению всем любителям Молота Войны и особенно фанатам Ордена Волков.
Фенрис хьолда!
8/10
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
Hola Amigos!
Скажу сразу, что вторая прочитанная книга из цикла "Space Battles" меня порадовала.
В отличие от Хельсрича (рецензия https://www.livelib.ru/review/1991938...), с которым Битву за Клык нельзя не сравнивать.
В первую очередь нужно знать, что человеку, хотя бы в общих чертах не приобщенному к истории WH40k, чтение данного произведения дастся особенно тяжело. Конечно же для любой книги из сеттинга пригодятся некие общие знания, но в случае с Клыком это особенно важно.
Суть конфликта, приводящего к событиям книги, уходит корнями далеко во времена Ереси Хоруса и если читать оригинал желания нет, то стоит хотя бы кратко узнать об участии Магнуса Красного в событиях Ереси и о "сожжении" планеты Просперо.
Насчет завязки:
32е тысячелетие. Волчий орден ведет безрезультатные поиски Магнуса Красного, убийство которого стало для них главной целью, и наконец-то они приходят к желаемому результату. Волки обнаруживают присутствие примарха предателя, "недобитого" их генетическим отцом, в одной из бесконечного множества звездных систем.
И вот уже флот Фенриса в полной боевой готовности уносит основные силы ордена все дальше от родного мира. Позабыв об осторожности предводитель Волков оставляет планету беззащитной против хитрой ловушки Тысячи Сынов. Войска Магнуса Красного прибыли, дабы свершить свою месть, не только захватив родину волков, но и уничтожив их надежды на будущие.
Впрочем на страже Клыка ещё остались Волки. И пока жив хоть один из них, Фенрис выстоит.
Насчет повествования:
Сама книга является крепким и качественным "боевиком", хоть количество боевых сцен и достаточно скромное.
Ровное и логичное повествование не вызывает претензий, в отличие от спорного Хельсрича с его сомнительной "репортажной" манерой описания событий.
Битва за Клык описывается полноценно, как на глобальном стратегиче��ком уровне, так и на уровне действующих лиц, играющих свои важные и не очень роли в происходящих событиях. Резкие скачки во времени и ненужные фрагменты (да да, это про Хельсрич) отсутствуют.
Сама история умудряется сохранять интригу и временами неплохо держит в напряжении.
Атмосферные описания присутствуют ровно в том количестве и качестве, чтобы сохранять баланс, не вытесняя на задний план происходящие в них события.
Насчет персонажей:
Местные персонажи пусть и не получают полноценного раскрытия, все же хорошо прописаны. Они узнаются, запоминаются (хоть специфичные имена и сбивают с толку), имеют свое место и роль в повествовании. Их истории уместно вписываются в происходящее, создавая и дополняя общую картину.
Никого нельзя назвать лишним (ещё камень в сторону Хельсрича с его бессмысленными историями жреца, штурмовика и докера).
Также повествование не забывает и показывать противоположную сторону конфликта. Тысяча сынов не остаются безликой массой неких захватчиков. Их цели обоснованы, а мотивы понятны.
Итог:
"Битва за Клык" являет собой отличный пример правильного произведения (в своем жанре, разумеется).
Цельная история изображается с разных сторон. Предводители обороны Фенриса, обычные Кровавые Когти, "смертные" бойцы на службе "небесных Воинов" и даже космодесантники предатели из Тысячи Сынов. Их истории уместны, а взгляды понятны. В результате чего, следить за происходящим становится действительно интересно.
Единственный минус книги кроется где-то в её принадлежности к циклу "Space Battles". А это значит, что произведение все-таки представляет собой скорее расширенный рассказ, чем полноценный роман.
Увеличить объем в два раза, хоть немного лучше раскрыть персонажей и добавить захватывающих эпизодов.
Вот рецепт, что мог бы сделать Битву за Клык не просто хорошим, а отличным произведением. Которое, впрочем, не вписалось бы в рамки данного цикла.
В любом случае могу посоветовать книгу к прочтению всем любителям Молота Войны и особенно фанатам Ордена Волков.
Фенрис хьолда!
8/10
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
April 3, 2022
La batalla del colmillo:
No esperaba demasiado de la este libro y al comenzar por lo menos la primera parte del libro me ha sido confuso, no esperaba que hubiera dos facciones de marines en juego. Por lo cual me ha sido confuso diferenciar las distintas escenas del libro de entre donde aparecen los “Mil Hijos” o los “Lobos Espaciales” pero a medida que se extiende el libro termina dejando las escenas más identificables (En él .mobi calculo que la separación de escenarios se perdió en el camino).
La historia que se nos termina contando sobre los “Lobos espaciales” me parece una cosa muy buena, no esperaba que fueran más que salvajes, pero han resultado ser ciertamente más avanzados e incluso puede que de los pocos capaces de generar el cambia que el imperio necesita para ser un lugar “un 2% más seguro”.
Por otra parte, el Magnus ese, parece bien construido, no se dedica a hacer una cosa a la vez como villano genérico (cosa que es) tiene un plan que necesita realizar con dos movimientos, separar al ejercito y retenerlo en otro lugar.
La verdad me ha entretenido, incluso ha resulto una duda existencial ¿Por qué los marines no usan casco al combatir? Por que tiene unas lentes que son horripilantes.
Y a modo de resumen de Warhammer tiene uno de los mejores párrafos creo yo:
“Ahora una nueva era amanece. La Era del Imperio, la llama. Las necesidades de la humanidad han cambiado. EN vez de veinte legiones ahora hay muchos cientos de capítulos. No hay primarcas que los guíen. En su lugar, los Adeptus Astartes luchan a imagen de sus padres genéticos, repitiendo las habilidades diseñadas para un futuro distinto. Así son las cosas ahora, una visión hecha realidad no por el Padre de Todas las Cosas, sino por uno de sus hijos. Los capítulos ya no marchan en filas de diez mil o más. Crean sucesores, retoños a los que rige la misma semilla genética para que el legado de su primarca se mantenga en las estrellas. Cuantos más sucesores, más grande será el legado. Los hijos de Guilliman son los ancestros de cientos, así como lo son los hijos de Dorn, y así es como el imperio cobra forma a su imagen y semejanza.”
No esperaba demasiado de la este libro y al comenzar por lo menos la primera parte del libro me ha sido confuso, no esperaba que hubiera dos facciones de marines en juego. Por lo cual me ha sido confuso diferenciar las distintas escenas del libro de entre donde aparecen los “Mil Hijos” o los “Lobos Espaciales” pero a medida que se extiende el libro termina dejando las escenas más identificables (En él .mobi calculo que la separación de escenarios se perdió en el camino).
La historia que se nos termina contando sobre los “Lobos espaciales” me parece una cosa muy buena, no esperaba que fueran más que salvajes, pero han resultado ser ciertamente más avanzados e incluso puede que de los pocos capaces de generar el cambia que el imperio necesita para ser un lugar “un 2% más seguro”.
Por otra parte, el Magnus ese, parece bien construido, no se dedica a hacer una cosa a la vez como villano genérico (cosa que es) tiene un plan que necesita realizar con dos movimientos, separar al ejercito y retenerlo en otro lugar.
La verdad me ha entretenido, incluso ha resulto una duda existencial ¿Por qué los marines no usan casco al combatir? Por que tiene unas lentes que son horripilantes.
Y a modo de resumen de Warhammer tiene uno de los mejores párrafos creo yo:
“Ahora una nueva era amanece. La Era del Imperio, la llama. Las necesidades de la humanidad han cambiado. EN vez de veinte legiones ahora hay muchos cientos de capítulos. No hay primarcas que los guíen. En su lugar, los Adeptus Astartes luchan a imagen de sus padres genéticos, repitiendo las habilidades diseñadas para un futuro distinto. Así son las cosas ahora, una visión hecha realidad no por el Padre de Todas las Cosas, sino por uno de sus hijos. Los capítulos ya no marchan en filas de diez mil o más. Crean sucesores, retoños a los que rige la misma semilla genética para que el legado de su primarca se mantenga en las estrellas. Cuantos más sucesores, más grande será el legado. Los hijos de Guilliman son los ancestros de cientos, así como lo son los hijos de Dorn, y así es como el imperio cobra forma a su imagen y semejanza.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
I swear, if I have to read a single more "Hjolda", the kindle will get it. Ahem.
All right, so the Thousand Sons assault the home base of perennial fan favourites, the Space Wolves while most of the Space Wolves chapter chases red herrings somewhere else. Given that this premise is pretty binary, you have to give the author credit for setting up a nice secondary goal, which allows both fans of the Wolves and fans of the Sons to be happy with the final resolution.
That said, this is basically the only thing in the book that works.
Due to the fact that the Wolves magic runes disable the Sons main weapon, their spellcasting, the battle quickly becomes an attrition siege without any relevant tactics. Since the Wolves are basically invincible in close combat, you'll do a lot of reading on how the Wolves kill every enemy in that specific combat, but lose juust enough people that the battle as a whole will go on. If you enjoy reading about unlikeable genetic supermen butchering and dismembering helpless normies, you'll get your fill here. I found it dreadfully boring.
The is exacerbated by the Wolves being in their "stone cold killers" instead or their "bro" incarnation, leaving essentially a single third-tier character as the only person whose fate interested me at all. Most of the non-high-command Space Wolves were so generic I was unable to distinguish them without reading back.
When a military fiction book fails both in its military and its "band of brothers" approach, there is usually no saving it. Add to that failing several sidestories that go on too long with not enough payoff, and this leaves a book that will only be of interest to hardcore fans or those that are not familiar with better-written military fiction.
All right, so the Thousand Sons assault the home base of perennial fan favourites, the Space Wolves while most of the Space Wolves chapter chases red herrings somewhere else. Given that this premise is pretty binary, you have to give the author credit for setting up a nice secondary goal, which allows both fans of the Wolves and fans of the Sons to be happy with the final resolution.
That said, this is basically the only thing in the book that works.
Due to the fact that the Wolves magic runes disable the Sons main weapon, their spellcasting, the battle quickly becomes an attrition siege without any relevant tactics. Since the Wolves are basically invincible in close combat, you'll do a lot of reading on how the Wolves kill every enemy in that specific combat, but lose juust enough people that the battle as a whole will go on. If you enjoy reading about unlikeable genetic supermen butchering and dismembering helpless normies, you'll get your fill here. I found it dreadfully boring.
The is exacerbated by the Wolves being in their "stone cold killers" instead or their "bro" incarnation, leaving essentially a single third-tier character as the only person whose fate interested me at all. Most of the non-high-command Space Wolves were so generic I was unable to distinguish them without reading back.
When a military fiction book fails both in its military and its "band of brothers" approach, there is usually no saving it. Add to that failing several sidestories that go on too long with not enough payoff, and this leaves a book that will only be of interest to hardcore fans or those that are not familiar with better-written military fiction.
August 11, 2022
One of the best books in the Space Marine Battles Series (and that IS a compliment, I think the series was mostly good except for a few bad ones), and an overall very good novel.
Also one of the only pieces of 40k literature where I like the Space Wolves, though that makes sense as this novel is a long time ago in the 40k setting, maybe only a few thousand years after the Heresy.
And it is also pretty epic, involving the invasion of a founding legion homeworld, and all of the scale and use of ancient tech that would involve. And if you like a good hold out siege, this will satisfy as the defenders are hugely outgunned at the onset.
there is also a lot of good detail on the internal struggle the Wolves are going through between those who want to go a new way, and those stuck to tradition.
Bjorn the Fell handed being a main character is also great, and he is pretty awesome.
All in all very solid, even if you usually cannot stand the Space Wolves (like me).
Also one of the only pieces of 40k literature where I like the Space Wolves, though that makes sense as this novel is a long time ago in the 40k setting, maybe only a few thousand years after the Heresy.
And it is also pretty epic, involving the invasion of a founding legion homeworld, and all of the scale and use of ancient tech that would involve. And if you like a good hold out siege, this will satisfy as the defenders are hugely outgunned at the onset.
there is also a lot of good detail on the internal struggle the Wolves are going through between those who want to go a new way, and those stuck to tradition.
Bjorn the Fell handed being a main character is also great, and he is pretty awesome.
All in all very solid, even if you usually cannot stand the Space Wolves (like me).
May 5, 2017
As a massive fan of both the Thousand Sons and Space Wolves I adored re-reading this book recently. It's still everything that I remember from years ago. Fast paced, epic clashes, and some brilliant cinematic sequences that blew my socks off. Get in people. Get in now.
5 out of 5 stars.
5 out of 5 stars.
September 25, 2018
Sooo much better than other space marine stories. The Wolves have so much more character (only the Dark Angels come close in the 'they're just cool!' stakes) than the other chapters. Very enjoyable read
June 9, 2017
I enjoy everything from wh40k, but in this particular book, I feel one side of the conflict had a bit too much plot armor. Other than that, it's a fine book.
February 4, 2020
It seems insane to spend 501 pages on a single battle in a galaxy of non-stop war but the author did exactly that. A great follow up to the Battle of Prospero. Two ancient enemies clash once again.
August 2, 2020
DNF. Tried about 25% in, failed to catch my attention.
July 5, 2021
A delightfully straightforward and action-packed tale.
November 15, 2021
A fun read.
February 6, 2022
Found the writing style boring and convoluted. A disappointing depiction of what should have been a compelling battle.
May 10, 2023
When you finally get to the final encounter boy is it worth it. Literally chills at the final encounter. There are some moments is the book that are just different. The first being waking up Bjorn, Blackwing leadership on the failing star ship, and Ironhelm’s tenacity. These scenes are straight from a movie. There is a-lot of exposition but its a huge universe and a small book. Not a great place to start but a great place to be.
April 30, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Chris Wraight's work, but Battle of the Fang never really got it's hooks into me. There were a few moments were it really worked, but as a whole I think there may just have been a few too many plot threads to follow.
May 14, 2021
Highly recommend for anyone coming straight from the tabletop to the literature.
Chris weaves a compelling and believable story about war in the 41st millennium. At first I was frightened by the huge cast—lately I prefer stories with a single protagonist—but every character in this story has depth and arc. Most literature and film depicts war as a kind of sterile and faceless phenomenon. That is not the case here. You'll get to know every warrior on the field, from the mortals to the Space Wolves.* They'll make you laugh. They'll make you cry. Then, one of them will die. As the battle intensifies and more bodies drop, you'll be holding your breath. In true 40k fashion, nobody is safe.
*(Less so for the Thousand Sons, but they are the antagonists after all. And sorcerors like Temekh are still quite interesting.)
And at last, a few parting notes:
- Chris' prose is fantastic.
- The worldbuilding is wonderful. (Particularly for all you knuckle-dragging Space Wolves fans out there.)
- The depiction of Space Marines is perfect.
- You may think you know what happens because this is set in M32. You don't.
Again, I highly recommend this for anyone coming straight from the tabletop to the literature.
Chris weaves a compelling and believable story about war in the 41st millennium. At first I was frightened by the huge cast—lately I prefer stories with a single protagonist—but every character in this story has depth and arc. Most literature and film depicts war as a kind of sterile and faceless phenomenon. That is not the case here. You'll get to know every warrior on the field, from the mortals to the Space Wolves.* They'll make you laugh. They'll make you cry. Then, one of them will die. As the battle intensifies and more bodies drop, you'll be holding your breath. In true 40k fashion, nobody is safe.
*(Less so for the Thousand Sons, but they are the antagonists after all. And sorcerors like Temekh are still quite interesting.)
And at last, a few parting notes:
- Chris' prose is fantastic.
- The worldbuilding is wonderful. (Particularly for all you knuckle-dragging Space Wolves fans out there.)
- The depiction of Space Marines is perfect.
- You may think you know what happens because this is set in M32. You don't.
Again, I highly recommend this for anyone coming straight from the tabletop to the literature.
November 15, 2011
I'd like to start this off by saying that I really enjoyed this book. That being said its not the greatest bit of writing I've ever read either. I have an affection for the source material, both Warhammer 40k as well as the Space Wolves. This is definitely not literature, and I don't think it ever thinks of its self that way. What it is, is a fun read of a heroic battle by guys who are admiral and some what good by comparison to the almost completely evil (but some what sympathetic) invaders. This is a military historical fiction story set in a science fictional world and time. If you are not already a fan of Warhammer 40k then you may want to skip this one as its very steeped in that world and not terribly accessible to the uninitiated. Thats the worst thing I can say about this book. The best thing I will say about this book is that it actually gives you a mortal perspective on Space Marine/Space Wolf culture. You have two different point of view characters who are mortal servants/thralls of the Space Wolf chapter. This is something I've never really seen in Warhammer 40k before. It paints a fairly even hand and gray picture of the Space Wolves. Yes they are heroic as all hell, but they are also savage and live there lives on the backs of virtual slaves who's lives they don't give a fig about. You can make all the arguments you want about it being for the good of the universe cause we need them to be able to fight evil chaos, but at the end of the day they have slaves that they would kill if they looked at them wrong. Of course so do the antagonists in this, of course that sort of behavior is to be expect of the bad guys. What is not to be expected is the inferences that said bad guys were maybe not "bad" but just not in line with the "party line" when they were labeled anathema and kicked out of the human empire.
So to sum up, its decent craftsman quality writing about an enjoyably simple subject, that is given the most fair and balanced treatment I've seen from the Black Library books so far.
So to sum up, its decent craftsman quality writing about an enjoyably simple subject, that is given the most fair and balanced treatment I've seen from the Black Library books so far.
June 3, 2011
Space Wolves versus Thousand Sons, only 10K years after the Horus Heresy.
In my case, Space Wolves is my favorite goody goody Space Marine chapter, while the Thousand Sons are easily my favorite baddy baddy chapter. And the more I get to know about the Horus Heresy (and after) era, the better.
Also, the book is written _with_ the knowledge from the books A Thousand Sons (Warhammer 40,00) and Prospero Burns (Warhammer 40,00), so new revelations are actually possible... and made !
The downside (well, downside) is that this book is a Space Marine Battles series book, so the focus is undoubtedly in the strategic fighting scenes, instead of on the Warhammer 40K universe lore.
In short: Magnus the Red leads his Thousand Sons chapter to invade Fenris, homeworld of the Space Wolves, in an attempt to get revenge for the sacking of Prospero. Or is it only revenge they're after ?...
Anyhow, this short should have already convinced anyone who is a fan of the Horus Heresy series to get his hands on it.
(people that are not into the WH40K universe, and would like to get to start to know it. This is _not_ a good starting point :p )
In my case, Space Wolves is my favorite goody goody Space Marine chapter, while the Thousand Sons are easily my favorite baddy baddy chapter. And the more I get to know about the Horus Heresy (and after) era, the better.
Also, the book is written _with_ the knowledge from the books A Thousand Sons (Warhammer 40,00) and Prospero Burns (Warhammer 40,00), so new revelations are actually possible... and made !
The downside (well, downside) is that this book is a Space Marine Battles series book, so the focus is undoubtedly in the strategic fighting scenes, instead of on the Warhammer 40K universe lore.
In short: Magnus the Red leads his Thousand Sons chapter to invade Fenris, homeworld of the Space Wolves, in an attempt to get revenge for the sacking of Prospero. Or is it only revenge they're after ?...
Anyhow, this short should have already convinced anyone who is a fan of the Horus Heresy series to get his hands on it.
(people that are not into the WH40K universe, and would like to get to start to know it. This is _not_ a good starting point :p )
September 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this book until the final few chapters. It was different from other space marine novels I've read in that it portrayed them as flawed and capable of poor decision making. Unfortunately it was all thrown out the window during the final conflict with Magnus. Up until then, Magnus was a calm, calculating genius who had planned the attack on the Fang for hundreds of years. He succeeded in his goal of destroying the Tempering. By all accounts he won, definitively. However, when facing Bjorn, Greyloc and Ironhelm, he completely loses perspective and becomes just another mindless Chaos villain. After his retreat, the book ends with the Wolves gathered together honoring their fallen and telling the galaxy to never forget that Magnus failed.
No he didn't, you stupid Space Wolves. He came to Fenris with a mission and accomplished it utterly. His sorcerers and fleet escaped. This is where the novel really missed the mark for me. Instead of succumbing to mindless rage, Magnus should have been confident in his victory. After defeating Ironhelm he should have lauded over him, rubbed it in his face, and left him alive to live in eternal shame. THAT is consistent with his character. Had the book ended with showing the battle for the Fang as the defeat it truly was, I would have given it a better rating.
No he didn't, you stupid Space Wolves. He came to Fenris with a mission and accomplished it utterly. His sorcerers and fleet escaped. This is where the novel really missed the mark for me. Instead of succumbing to mindless rage, Magnus should have been confident in his victory. After defeating Ironhelm he should have lauded over him, rubbed it in his face, and left him alive to live in eternal shame. THAT is consistent with his character. Had the book ended with showing the battle for the Fang as the defeat it truly was, I would have given it a better rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2013
As a fan of A Thousand Sons and Prospero Burns, this novel is a fitting comeback-like sequel and an ending for the saga, for the time being.
The plot is a straight-forward-all-out-battle from beginning to the end, which I did occasionally find a bit tiring. I does however has its still moments when lore is widened and characters think of the situation as a whole, which parts are my favorites.
Don't get me wrong. The straight-forwardness of battle isn't boring. It is written in short approx.
1 to 6 pages chapter sections where you jump a lot from one place to another and are always in the feel of the moment.
The novel has both the feeling and lament of the Thousand Sons and the wulfen howls of Vlka Fenryka (Space Wolves). A fan of the previously mentioned Horus Heresy novels must read this likewise should anyone with any interest in the two 1st founding Space Marine legions(chapters).
The plot is a straight-forward-all-out-battle from beginning to the end, which I did occasionally find a bit tiring. I does however has its still moments when lore is widened and characters think of the situation as a whole, which parts are my favorites.
Don't get me wrong. The straight-forwardness of battle isn't boring. It is written in short approx.
1 to 6 pages chapter sections where you jump a lot from one place to another and are always in the feel of the moment.
The novel has both the feeling and lament of the Thousand Sons and the wulfen howls of Vlka Fenryka (Space Wolves). A fan of the previously mentioned Horus Heresy novels must read this likewise should anyone with any interest in the two 1st founding Space Marine legions(chapters).
May 12, 2014
Not much to say that hasn't already been said about this one so I'll keep my comments lite.
An excellent book, easily the best in the SMB series I've read so far (though I've only read three of them...). Wraight has a firm grasp of the culture of the VI Legion as well as Fenris and it was really nice to see the interplay between the Astartes and the mortals who serve alongside them (the Kaerls). I thought the portrayal of Magnus was excellent and the Thousand Sons were portrayed very well in general. The Dreadnaughts were simply awesome, I loved how they were all tortured souls, living only for the fighting when called yet all wished to be back to their old bodies. It was a nice layer of personality to what used to be trans-human warriors in those massive sarcophogi.
Overall a very well written book. As always with anything Space Wolf, the action scenes were brutal and gory and well done. If you read this one you won't be dissapointed. And as Black Library advertised in the inner cover, this really is a third part of an unofficial trilogy between this one, Thousand Sons ans Prospero Burns. next time I'll read all three at once.
Here's to a long career for Chris Wraight.
An excellent book, easily the best in the SMB series I've read so far (though I've only read three of them...). Wraight has a firm grasp of the culture of the VI Legion as well as Fenris and it was really nice to see the interplay between the Astartes and the mortals who serve alongside them (the Kaerls). I thought the portrayal of Magnus was excellent and the Thousand Sons were portrayed very well in general. The Dreadnaughts were simply awesome, I loved how they were all tortured souls, living only for the fighting when called yet all wished to be back to their old bodies. It was a nice layer of personality to what used to be trans-human warriors in those massive sarcophogi.
Overall a very well written book. As always with anything Space Wolf, the action scenes were brutal and gory and well done. If you read this one you won't be dissapointed. And as Black Library advertised in the inner cover, this really is a third part of an unofficial trilogy between this one, Thousand Sons ans Prospero Burns. next time I'll read all three at once.
Here's to a long career for Chris Wraight.
July 15, 2016
In the Warhammer 40k universe there are few enmities that run deeper or burn hotter than the one between the Space Wolves and the Thousand Sons. Thousands of years after the Wolves razed the Sons' homeworld of Prospero the hatred still burns.
When the book begins a Space Wolves ship has found the greatest prize imaginable. They have found Magnus, the Daemon Prince, Primarch and Progenitor of the Thousand Sons. Immediately the Wolves muster their forces and send the full strength of their company against the Archenemy. Magnus is of course no fool so no sooner than the Wolves jump out of the system, leaving a small force behind to defend their home, the Thousand Sons jump in and begin an all out assault on the Wolves' home planet of Fenris.
What follows is an epic battle. The defenders must hold out against an overwhelming army and hope that word can get through to the Wolves' fleet and let them know of the situation. The book is pretty much nonstop action with space battles, ground battles, chaos sorcerers, dreadnaughts, and manner of Warhammer weapons. The Thousand Sons soon learn that the only thing more dangerous than facing a Wolf in battle is facing one in its own den.
When the book begins a Space Wolves ship has found the greatest prize imaginable. They have found Magnus, the Daemon Prince, Primarch and Progenitor of the Thousand Sons. Immediately the Wolves muster their forces and send the full strength of their company against the Archenemy. Magnus is of course no fool so no sooner than the Wolves jump out of the system, leaving a small force behind to defend their home, the Thousand Sons jump in and begin an all out assault on the Wolves' home planet of Fenris.
What follows is an epic battle. The defenders must hold out against an overwhelming army and hope that word can get through to the Wolves' fleet and let them know of the situation. The book is pretty much nonstop action with space battles, ground battles, chaos sorcerers, dreadnaughts, and manner of Warhammer weapons. The Thousand Sons soon learn that the only thing more dangerous than facing a Wolf in battle is facing one in its own den.
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